Lot 723

Description

Cricket presentation cup, in silver plate (approx 20cm high), decorated edge, engraved floral pattern and handles with floral end pattern, manufactured and plated by Reed & Barton, inscribed on one side, 'Presented/By/Messrs G & T. Young/To/R.V. Blacklock/Highest individual/Score of/M.C.C./Season 89-90/84 Not Out'. Hairlines from polishing, otherwise very fine.

It was reported in the Otago Witness newspaper of 14 October 1897 that 'R.V. Blacklock, the well-known representative cricketer of Wellington died last week after a long illness. "Bob", who was only 32 years old, played a number of very fine innings in interprovincial cricket, among his best being a fine display against Canterbury in 1883 or 1884, when he made 84. He was much liked by all who knew him, and his early death has evoked expressions of deep regret all over the colony.'

Robert Valder Blacklock, born 1 April 1865 at Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, right-hand bat, mainly for Wellington, New Zealand. He played 56 innings in 31 first class matches, not out 4, scored 771 runs for an average of 14.82 in a first class career that covered the years from 1883 to 1896. He died on 6 October 1897 at Wellington.

With research.